Things To Do
South Pond
Where we got engaged in 2025!
aliveOne
The location of our first date in the spring of 2022!
Lincoln Park Zoo
One of our favorite spots! It's free to check out and we recommend looking for the lions, the bears, the snow leopard, and the bats!
Cloud Gate
The iconic Chicago Bean! Great spot for photos and not a far walk from the hotel. After the bean we recommend Cindy's for a cocktail and a great view!
Cindy's Rooftop
A lovely spot for cocktails near Millennium Park and the Bean. It's a rooftop that offers great views!
Pequod's Pizza
Our recommendation for Chicago deep dish! More of a locals spot than Giordano's or Lou Malnati's -- although we enjoy those too. The pizza features a caramelized cheese crust that we just love! Reservations recommended.
Wendella Tours & Cruises
The architectural boat tour is a Chicago must-do for first time visitors and returners alike!
Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company
Home of the pizza pot-pie! Great for lunch after the zoo - we recommend the salad (bottomless dressing on the side) and the Mediterranean bread.
Billy Goat Tavern (The Original)
Find the staircases on Michigan avenue that take you below street-level. This is an iconic Chicago institution for burgers and beers right below the InterContinental!
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
The largest Starbucks in the world with unique offerings on each floor.
Lakefront Trail
Beautiful trail that wraps along the coast of Lake Michigan. Try renting a Divvy bike or e-bike and riding from Buckingham Fountain to Diversey Harbor!
Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain
Iconic Chicago landmark in Grant Park, close to The Bean and beautiful Harbor views.
Chicago Riverwalk
Another Chicago must see! The river walk spans the length of the Chicago river and has bars, restaurants, and ecological sites on the way.
Chicago Magic Lounge
Absolutely worth catching a show here if you plan ahead and have extra time in Chicago.
Trickery
Not as formal as the Magic Lounge, but really amazing 1-man magic show!
The Hand & The Eye
Chicago's newest and most exclusive magic venue. Requires reservations.
Rose Mary
Our recommendation for a fancy restaurant- we love the lamb saddle. Requires a reservation.
Margie's Candies
Vintage candy and ice cream sundae shop!
The Art Institute of Chicago
Our pick for a museum to visit while in Chicago, home to some of the most famous paintings in the world + galleries for furniture, armor, and photography.
Navy Pier
More of a kid-focused tourist site in Chicago. You can catch a lake boat cruise or ride in the enclosed ferris wheel!
Kingston Mines
Local spot for live jazz.
Sluggers World Class Sports Bar and Grill & Dueling Pianos
One of our favorite bars to hangout in - offers dueling pianos, dance floor, and a full arcade with batting cages.
Harry Potter Shop Chicago
Mainly a gift shop, but close to the hotel and worth stopping into for any Harry Potter lovers. We recommend the butterbeer!
North Avenue Beach
One of the largest beaches in the city. Try renting a divvy bike and riding up the lakefront trail to check out all 3 beaches on our list!
Ohio Street Beach
Small beach close to Navy Pier and Streeterville.
Oak Street Beach
Small beach in Gold Coast.
Mon Ami Gabi
French restaurant with excellent steak au poive.
Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings
If you love (or have always wanted to try!) soup dumplings then this is the spot for you! Perfect for a causal lunch and exploring Chinatown.
Shinhwa Korean Steakhouse
If you're looking for the ultimate feast while you're in Chinatown look no further. They offer "all you can eat" Korean BBQ and Hot Pot and it's delicious.
Ricobene's
Awesome Chicago locals spot if you're out and in search of a late night bite! We recommend their legendary breaded steak sandwich.
Shoreline Sightseeing
This is another option for the Chicago architectural boat cruise. Multiple companies offer similar boat tours that differ in length, start time, and price.
High Five Ramen
Our favorite ramen in the city - it's below a BBQ place, so the broth is very meat-forward. We recommend arriving 30mins before they open to wait for the 1st seating. Otherwise you might be waiting a while since they only offer 20 seats. Ramen-San is also a good fallback plan.
Fulton Market District
The area of Chicago's West Loop that's home to a lot of fine dining options.
Shedd Aquarium
Chicago's aquarium! If you go, stop by rainbow cone or El Campeon if they haven't yet closed for the season!
Jazz Showcase
Another great spot for live music.
Demera Restaurant
One of our favorite spots, especially our recommendation for dining out with vegetarian friends. While you're in Uptown, check out The Green Mill across the street!
Zebra Lounge
Small piano bar with great vibes :)
She-nannigans
Another go-to spot for us! It's a sports bar that's a great place to start the evening.
Nookies on Wells
Great breakfast spot!
Breakfast House Lincoln Park
Our neighborhood go-to for breakfast, we love any of their locations and recommend the breakfast burrito.
Elks National Memorial and Headquarters
Check free tour hours in advance, this is landmark with a real gilded WOW factor.
Wrigley Field
Iconic baseball field in a neighborhood with lots of dining and bar options.
Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago Public Library
Beautiful public library with a conservatory level.
Three Dots and a Dash
Underground tiki bar with special getaway vibes.
The Richard H. Driehaus Museum
The museum that's home to our dream lamp! Really transports you into the gilded age.
Girl & The Goat
Another pick for fine dining in the city, reservations required!
Happy Lamb Hot Pot
Many conversations over many years were had over the bubbling broth at happy lamb.